New Mazak Integrex machine strengthens 5-axis machining capability at BMT Aerospace

BMT Aerospace is expanding its 5-axis machining capability with a new multi-tasking machine. The machine will arrive in Oostkamp on 7 July and will add extra capacity for skiving, turning and milling.

This investment gives BMT Aerospace more control over critical machining steps. It also supports the strategy to bring more production processes in-house.

The new machine will strengthen:

  • skiving capability for LBA components
  • 5-axis turning and milling capacity
  • automated production through Palletech
  • in-house control over critical processes
  • capacity for current and future aerospace programs

Learn more about BMT Aerospace’s wider in-house capabilities on the Services page.

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Foundation works have started, workers installing the rebar.

Extra skiving capacity for LBA components

The new machine will become the main setup for skiving operations. Skiving is a precise cutting process used to machine gear teeth. During this process, the tool and the part rotate at the same speed. This allows the machine to cut gear teeth quickly and accurately. For LBA components, one skiving operation takes around 30 minutes.

A finished LBA where the inner gear toothing is skived.

Today, this process depends on limited machine capacity. The new machine gives BMT Aerospace a dedicated setup for skiving. The existing 5-axis machine will remain available as a backup. BMT Aerospace is one of the few companies able to offer skiving as part of its production capabilities.

More in-house control

Some production steps can create supply chain risk when they depend on external suppliers. Lead times can change. Capacity can become limited. Quality follow-up can take more time. By bringing more critical processes in-house, BMT Aerospace gains more control over planning, quality and delivery reliability.

That control matters in aerospace manufacturing. One critical operation can affect the full production flow. This investment in 5-axis machining capability helps BMT Aerospace reduce dependency on external capacity and strengthen process stability.

Tested in Japan before delivery

The planning for this machine started well in advance. Lead times for this type of equipment can take at least one year.

Before delivery, the BMT Aerospace team travelled to Japan to test the machine. The goal was clear: check if the machine met the required specifications before bringing it to Oostkamp. This gave the team confidence before the machine enters production.

BMT Aerospace continues to invest in advanced production technology. You can read more about this mindset on the Product Innovation and Development page.

Connected to Palletech system

The new machine will connect to the existing Palletech automation system. Palletech automatically loads parts into different machines. This helps improve production flow, machine availability and automation.

The new machine will be installed on the opposite side of the current Palletech setup. Because of this, the team needs to move a pathway and prepare the logistics carefully. After arrival on 7 July, the integration works will start.

This step fits into the wider digital transformation at BMT Aerospace. Read more on the Digital Transformation page.

Building capacity for the future

This investment is not only about adding a machine. It strengthens process control, automation, capacity and supply chain resilience. With this new 5-axis machining capability, BMT Aerospace continues to build a stronger production platform for flight-critical components.

For more information about BMT Aerospace’s machining capabilities, contact info@bmtaerospace.com or visit the Contact page.